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As was expected, both of BC's highly touted draft eligible freshmen went in the middle of the first round, as Alex Tuch was drafted #18 overall by the Minnesota Wild, just two picks after Milano went to Columbus.
Tuch, a powerful, 6'3'' forward whose imposing size and strength has drawn comparisons to Kevin Hayes, put up 64 points in 61 games with the USNTDP last season, skating on a line with Sonny Milano and Jack Eichel.
Scouting report from Elite Hockey Prospects:
Tuch is a big power winger who skates well with strong balance. He typically is called upon to be the meat and potatoes guy on a skilled line and does so very effectively. Impressive forchecker. Uses his frame to protect the puck and physically supporting his linemates.
The Minnesota Wild feature a number of NCAA hockey alums, including Keith Ballard, Charlie Coyle, Nate Prosser,and Jason Zucker - and, of course, two of their biggest stars, Zach Parise and Ryan Suter.
Now we wait to see whether or not Thatcher Demko will join Milano and Tuch as first round picks; we also can enjoy that NHL scouts feel as optimistic as we do about BC's incoming freshmen.